Shelby County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Shelby County is located in Missouri with a total population of 6,011. It is the 105th most populous county out of 115 in Missouri. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Shelby County is 43.6 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Shelby County is $52,127. This is 24% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%. This is 24% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 1.0%. This is 75% lower than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $86,200. Housing costs are 60% lower than the state median of $215,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Shelby County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Shelby County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.2% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.2%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 5.1%.

Education

18.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.0%.